Big Apple’s Bravest and Finest are about to come to blows.
FDNY firefighter Danny Quinn of Ladder 9 and NYPD Sgt. Jesse Peterford, of the 61st precinct, will slug it out Thursday when they face off in the boxing ring for a highly anticipated rematch during the Big Apple first-ever International Battle of the Badges.
The NYPD and FDNY public servants to set to square off on Thursday night. Stefan Jeremiah for New York Post
The pair’s bout is one of more than a dozen matches between FDNY personnel and other firefighters and law enforcement from across the world.
Quinn looks to retain his edge against Peterford after notching a win by decision during last year’s charitable boxing match.
Both public servants told The Post on Monday during a pre-match weigh-in that they have been training multiple days a week, watching what they eat and cutting out all the booze in hopes of tasting victory Thursday night.
“I’m gonna stick to my game plan, I’m not gonna worry about what he’s gonna do … I think you’re going to see a similar outcome on Thursday,” Quinn offered in some friendly trash-talk after he measured in at 179 pounds.
NYPD Sgt Jesse Peterford of the 61st Precinct looks on as Firefighter Danny Quinn of Ladder 9 weighs in. Stefan Jeremiah for New York Post
“I’m ready to get it going,” Quinn, whose firehouse is in Manhattan, said, adding. “I’m in tip-top shape and I’m ready to put on a great show for the Garden.”
Peterford, who weighed in at 176 pounds, said he’s been training hard and working on a few tweaks to improve his game.
“Hopefully everything measures up after all the hard work,” the Brooklyn police sergeant said.
Another dozen Big Apple firefighters will take on other firefighters and cops as far as the UK and Ireland with the proceeds going to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, a nonprofit in honor of FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller, who died in the 9-11 attacks.
At least $50,000 is expected to be raised.
A Ladder 9 helmet and champion belt, which will be fought over Thursday, on display during the weigh-in. Stefan Jeremiah for New York Post
The group of firefighters said during the weigh-in at sports bar Mustang Harry’s in midtown Manhattan that they were looking forward to fighting at the world’s most famous arena.
Both Peterford and Quinn said they’ve been running and sparring in the months leading up to this week. And cutting out fatty foods much to their chagrin.
“I’m a big food guy so that’s the toughest part for me is laying off all the junk food,” Peterford said. “I love it all. Cheeseburgers, tacos, pizza, ice cream, brownies, cookies. You know, the list goes on.”
The boxing matches will benefit charity. Stefan Jeremiah for New York Post
Neither have downed a beer in the months leading up to the bout, but will clink a couple glasses following the fight — a sign that at the end of the day, they’re both on the same team serving New Yorkers.
When asked when he would have his next beer after a couple of months of staying dry, Peterford replied, “Thursday as soon as the final bell rings.”
A confident Quinn boldly said, “I’m looking forward to that first beer once I get my hand raised.”
Doors for the Battle of the Badges open at 7 p.m. with the first bout scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
Source link: https://nypost.com/2024/03/11/us-news/nyc-firefighter-and-cop-ready-to-square-off-at-battle-of-the-badges/